Josh Berry will depart Wood Brothers Racing at the end of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season after the team confirmed it will move in a different direction for 2027.
The decision brings Berry’s tenure in the iconic No. 21 Ford to a close after two seasons with one of NASCAR’s most historic organizations.
Wood Brothers Racing have already selected its next driver, with an official announcement expected in the near future.
Josh Berry’s time at Wood Brothers Racing is coming to an end
Josh Berry joined Wood Brothers Racing ahead of the 2025 season as the replacement for Harrison Burton.
The partnership started on a high note. Berry earned his first NASCAR Cup Series victory at Las Vegas Motor Speedway during his debut season with the team and helped guide the No. 21 Ford into the playoffs.
However, the momentum proved difficult to sustain in 2026. Through 15 races, Berry sits 30th in the championship standings with just two top-10 finishes and four DNFs.
The disappointing results ultimately led Wood Brothers Racing to decline its option and begin planning for a new era behind the wheel of the No. 21.
The organization thanked Berry for his efforts over the past two seasons while expressing optimism about the future of the program.
Attention turns to Wood Brothers Racing’s next driver
With Berry’s departure now confirmed, attention immediately shifts to who will inherit one of the most recognizable rides in NASCAR.
Wood Brothers Racing have stated that its replacement has already been chosen, although the team have not revealed when the announcement will be made.
The No. 21 remains one of the most significant seats in the Cup Series garage due to the team’s long-standing relationship with Team Penske and Ford.
That connection has often made the car a landing spot for emerging talent and future stars within the manufacturer’s development system.
Berry’s own future remains uncertain, but his previous success in both the Xfinity Series and Cup Series should ensure he remains a candidate for opportunities elsewhere in NASCAR.
For now, the focus remains on the remainder of the 2026 season before both Berry and Wood Brothers Racing begin their next chapters.
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